Cops and robbers game -u6

Cops and robbers game

By David Clarke

You can use this game to teach young players the basics of attacking and defending in a fun game. Awareness of where players are and the ability to control, pass and stop the ball can all be coached.

How to set it up

Use the centre circle and put three cones in the middle to form a triangle. If your pitch doesn’t have a centre circle, use a circle of cones in a similar size. With all players in the playing area, have some players with a ball – the cops, and half as many without a ball - the robbers.

How to play it

The robbers have to try and win a ball from one of the cops. If the robber wins the ball, he attempts to score by stopping it in the centre "bank". If the robber manages to do that, the cop who lost the ball also becomes a robber. Play continues until one player with a ball remains. He is the winner.

Key coaching tips:

Cops should keep the ball close, with their heads up so they are aware of where the robbers are. If the ball is lost, recover quickly and fight to win it back before the robber puts it in the bank.

Robbers should move quickly from defence to attack to avoid other players and control the ball into the bank.